Without a doubt, consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch OLED are incredibly hard to get even during Black Friday. Retailers have put up stock, but they are still going incredibly quick. The next best bet isWalmart’s PS5 and Xbox Series X restock for Cyber Monday, although it is geared to Walmart+ shoppers. This scarcity has led to scalping, incredibly high re-sell prices, and more, with one man in Tokyo, Japan being arrested for allegedly reselling nearly 200 consoles and games.
The suspect, a 50-year-old man, has confessed to the charges. It has been noted that the total value of consoles he was in possession of came out to about 5.8 million yen, or $51, 000. In reselling thesehard-to-get gaming holiday gifts, it is believed that he made over 3 million yen, or $26,000.
RELATED:Best Nintendo Switch Gifts of 2021
Reportedly, the suspect was in the possession of severalPlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, as well as some unspecified games. He was entrusted with them by an acquaintance who worked at a delivery company, with it seeming he was expected to deliver them on their behalf. Instead, he sold over half of those consoles that day in Tokyo’s Akihabara area. However, the reports are not entirely clear on what the relationship between the suspect and the forementioned delivery company employee is.
The suspect has reportedly made a statement, saying, “I made off because I was having money problems. I bet nearly all the money on horse racing.” The suspect, who is said to have been unemployed, was also reportedly staying at an internet cafe (which provided private booths to sleep in Japan). Not much has been said on recovering the money and/or consoles, but it’s not likely going to be easy.
Just like most of the world,getting a PS5 is incredibly difficult, and it may be hard/near impossible to track down every individual who bought it, or a Switch, from the shops around Tokyo. Slowly, it does seem PS5 restocks are happening more and more often, but many companies are expectingchip shortages well into next year, if not 2023. Ergo, high-end gaming consoles will remain a hot commodity around the world.
It’s worth noting that thePS5 and Xbox Series X recently celebrated their one-year anniversary, and there is a huge slate of games for each console on the horizon. As time goes on, it seems likely the demand for this hardware will only go up.
